Maine licenses estheticians through the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) under the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Unlike most states, Maine does not have a cosmetology board — licensing is administered directly by the OPOR Director under Title 32, Chapter 126. You need a Maine esthetician license to perform facials, skin treatments, makeup application, and hair removal for compensation.
Maine requires 600 training hours plus NIC written and practical exams administered by Prov. No CE is required. Annual renewal on October 31. Total initial cost is approximately $240. Here is exactly how to get your Maine esthetician license.
Maine Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | OPOR (Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation) |
| Statutory Authority | Title 32, Chapter 126 (32 MRSA §14201 et seq.) |
| Minimum Age | Not specified in statute |
| Education Prerequisite | Not specified in statute |
| Training Hours Required | 600 hours at a licensed school |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 1,000 hours |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + Practical (Prov) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | ~$190 (Prov) |
| Application/License Fees | ~$50 ($10 registration + $40 license) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$240 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Annual (expires October 31) |
| Renewal Fee | $20 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | OPOR Barbering & Cosmetology |
| Board Website | maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing |
Education & Training Requirements
Complete 600 hours at a licensed esthetics school. The curriculum covers facials, skin care treatments, makeup application, hair removal (waxing, tweezing), sanitation and infection control, anatomy and physiology, and Maine laws and rules.
Full-time students typically complete the program in 4 to 6 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: 1,000 hours under a licensed esthetician (approximately 1.67x the school hour requirement). Apprentices must register with OPOR before beginning.
At 600 hours, Maine matches the national average. See our esthetician license guide and hours by state comparison.
Exam Requirements
NIC Esthetics exams through Prov:
- Written Exam: 110 items (100 scored + 10 unscored), 90 minutes. Content: Scientific Concepts (55%), Skin Care and Services (45%).
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetics skills.
Passing score: 75%. Register at Prov.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 600 hours of esthetics training
- Register for NIC exams through Prov (~$190 total)
- Pass the written and practical exams
- Apply through OPOR ($10 registration + $40 license = $50)
Total: approximately $240.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Expires annually on October 31. Renewal fee: $20. No continuing education required. Late renewals incur additional fees. Lapsed licenses may require re-examination depending on the length of lapse.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Maine offers endorsement for estheticians licensed in other states with substantially equivalent requirements. You must provide proof of current licensure in good standing and documentation of training hours. If your state’s requirements are lower than Maine’s 600 hours, additional training or examination may be required.
Military Provisions
Temporary license issued within 30 days for active-duty members or spouses holding a valid license from another state. Valid 180 days with one 180-day extension. Military training and experience credited toward licensing qualifications under Title 32, §14212.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Maine?
600 hours at a licensed school, or a 1,000-hour apprenticeship. Full-time students complete training in about 4 to 6 months.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Maine?
Approximately $240 total: ~$190 in exam fees (paid to Prov) and ~$50 in application and license fees (paid to OPOR).
Does Maine require continuing education for estheticians?
No. Maine does not require CE for esthetician license renewal.
Does Maine have an esthetics board?
No. Maine eliminated its Board of Cosmetology in 2019. All beauty licensing, including esthetics, is now administered directly by the OPOR Director.
Official Resources
- Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) (official website)
- Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing
- Prov Exam Registration
- OPOR Contact: (207) 624-8603 | professionallicensing@maine.gov
- Address: 35 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333